Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss.

1. 40% of population

2. 25% of GDP

3. 2 permanent UNSC members. |

4. Better connectivity to Central Asia & Europe - International North South Corridor.

5. Mineral security from Central Asia - Eg Kazakhstan has Uranium.

6. Energy security - TAPI pipeline for gas based economy.

7. Better trade by leveraging the

Ashgabat agreement 5) Prevent terrorism via the RATS 6) Uphold strategic autonomy QUAD ↙ ↘ SCO

However there are factors not allowing India to fulfil that role

1. Chinese challenge

⊙ Blocking terrorist architecture. Eg No action against Masood Azhar

⊙ Huge in roads into Central Asia → less space for India ↓ BRI project

1. Pakistani challenge

⊙ Not allowing land access → failing TAPI & Ashgabat

⊙ Promoting terrorism ⊕ bringing Kashmir (bilateral) issue.

1. Russia-China axis → not good for India

2. Perpetual attacks on Indian

Sovereignty → CPEC accepted by members 5) Lack of true autonomy as become caught in Chinese/Pakistani agenda. Yet, it is very significant to —

1. Have a voice in an organization dominated by adversaries.
2. Bring the issues of India to the high table for support.

Way Ahead

1. Engage with all partners — have diplomatic talks.
2. Central Asia focus. • Have separate mission mode talks — have & build goodwill • Build capacity → open IITs in Central Asia.
3. Engage with like minded Iran and Russia for European connectivity → prevent delays as with